By Shane Svorec
“Thank you for your service.” It’s a common phrase we use and hear, but exactly what that service entails isn’t always well known. If you’re affiliated with the military in any way, whether you’re a service member, a spouse, or a family member, you’ve seen, heard, and experienced things that many cannot comprehend, let alone relate to. It’s a reality that can make the less-than-2% population feel even more like a minority.
You can watch movies and listen to stories, but nothing prepares you for military life. Highlight reels often portray the brave doing things that leave most of us speechless, yet what we don’t see is the day-to-day life of a soldier and the everyday challenges most don’t talk about.
For those who serve and for those who love them, celebrations take on a different meaning. Birthdays, holidays, the arrival of babies, and even the loss of loved ones often pass without them. Duty calls at all hours – regardless of the date or circumstances. There are dangers, but every military member will tell you they knew what they signed up for. There is no rest for the weary; long days and all-nighters are part of the job. Training is brutal, life is hard, and plans change at a moment’s notice. Orders are not always what you want; they are what you get. You learn to do without, sleep wherever you can, and expect the unexpected.
The only “self” found in the military is selflessness. Soldiers understand sacrifice like no one else. By trusting one another with their lives, they forge bonds and brotherhoods that endure a lifetime. Exercising humility means prioritizing the mission over personal glory.
Serving our country isn’t just a job; it’s physical, mental, and emotional work you don’t “clock out” of after your shift or tour. Discipline and stamina look very different to those who wear a uniform. Respect is mandatory, and consequences are real. A soldier learns to be flexible and adaptable to changing environments, missions, and unexpected threats; humble, recognizing fellow soldiers’ sacrifices; and patient, because “Hurry up and wait” is the way of life.
For those back home, life looks and feels different, too. The absence is unlike that of a child away at college, a parent on a business trip, or a long-distance relationship. It’s months, sometimes years, apart, with long stretches without communication. It’s uncertainty, fear, pride, and strength, all wrapped up in one, hidden behind smiles of strength and resilience. It’s running to your phone whenever it rings, turning off the TV, scrolling past negative news and comments, and praying for their safety. It’s learning to bite your tongue when people disrespect our country or minimize the sacrifices made for them while they enjoy their freedoms.
During the month of May, we celebrate, honor, and reflect on the service and sacrifices of our military. From Armed Forces Day – a time to thank those who currently serve – to Memorial Day – a somber reflection honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom – we acknowledge those who have taken an oath to serve, protect, and defend.
In May, we celebrate Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month– a tragic parallel that affects many in uniform. Military life can be deeply rewarding, but it also carries risks that must be managed, acknowledged, and addressed. It is not uncommon for service members (and their families) to experience loneliness, isolation, and uncertainty. When service ends, transitioning to civilian life brings a host of additional challenges. Many veterans experience mental stress, trauma, and physical injuries, and resources and support can be limited. Coming home can also mean a shift in identity and a sense of purpose. For those who have served, reintegrating into civilian life sometimes means struggling to find a career that provides the same sense of purpose that serving our country did.
You see, service goes beyond the uniform. It’s a life-changing commitment to our country, and while patriotism remains alive, the media doesn’t always portray it well. As a military mom, fully aware of and appreciative of the gift of freedom my children are committed to preserving, I will admit that watching people burn the flag, disrespect our country, and disgrace what others have fought and died for hits a little different.
It’s not easy on the heart, but my pride outweighs the pain and uncertainty that come with duty. My faith outshines my fear. My appreciation and respect for our military, past and present, are immeasurable. While our brave men and women make sacrifices, both big and small, visible and invisible, I, like so many other military families, will gladly hold down the fort at home, proudly wave the flag, stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and live grateful that there are people willing to stand for us all, even those who fall short.
This year, as we celebrate the Fourth of July and our nation’s 250th anniversary, let us pause to remember those who answered the call, signed a blank check, and believed in fighting for and defending the freedoms we enjoy today.
I once read that the best way we can thank those in uniform is to be the kind of American worth dying for. Whenever I see a soldier in uniform and pause to consider what service truly means, I don’t think it’s too much to ask.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shane Svorec is a Sales and Marketing Professional who, during Covid, pursued her long-time passion for writing, published her first book, and became an award-winning author. Her work includes Broken Little Believer: Finding Purpose in All the Pretty Painful Pieces, The Busy Bridge That Got Its Break, and Acorn Adventures. An inspirational writer who connects with readers through her colorful storytelling abilities, encouraging messages, and positive perspective, she lives in NJ with her husband, three children, and rescue pets.
